Cabaret du Lapin Agile
Painting on paper or thin board • Maurice Utrillo (or School of Maurice Utrillo)
Style & Movement
School of Paris / Post-Impressionism / Naive Art
Medium & Technique
Oil and likely gouache or thin oil glazes; features linear architectural outlines and flat color washes reminiscent of post-impressionist illustration
Creation Period
Circa 1930s-1950s (based on style and later-period signature type)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 40 x 30 cm; portrait format
Subject Description
A view of the famous 'Lapin Agile' cabaret in Montmartre, Paris. The composition includes the low-rise building with its iconic signage and green shutters, set against taller Parisian apartments and populated by small, stylized figures in the foreground.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing some age-related toning of the substrate and minor surface grime
Estimated Market Value
$5,000 - $15,000 (if authenticated as a late work); $500 - $1,500 (if identified as a period copy)
Auction Estimate
$3,000 - $8,000
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a Parisian gallery or as part of a mid-20th-century collection; features a 'Maurice Utrillo' signature on the lower right
Art Historical Significance
Utrillo is the quintessential chronicler of Montmartre. This subject is one of his most repeated and sought-after motifs, representing the bohemian heart of early 20th-century French art culture.
Notable Features
Includes the distinctive hand-lettered 'Lapin Agile' sign; the palette is dominated by the 'White Period' influenced tones of the buildings contrasted with muted greens and reds
Condition Issues
Visible yellowing of the paper/board; slight fading of pigments due to light exposure; potential acid damage from original backing materials
Conservation Recommendations
Must be examined out of the frame; suggest archival matting and UV-protective glass to prevent further discoloration of the paper